What potential could we unlock if small businesses and workers were both supported to thrive at work?
Thriving Workplaces seeks to drive innovation in publicly funded employment services to better align the expectations of work seekers, workers, and small businesses, contributing to robust workplace bargains, stronger retention, and thriving workplaces for all.
“I am excited to be a part of a project that has the potential to make career development even more impactful. Thriving Workplaces will help build stronger, healthier communities” – Thriving Workplaces Practitioner
Our Goals
- Develop feasible and effective service models to support small businesses and workers
- Build service provider capacity to effectively work with small businesses
- Enhance coordination in the employer service ecosystem
- Share what we’re learning to inform policy and practice
Creating alignment between employers' and workers' needs, offerings and mindsets, one Magnetic Factor at a time
The Magnetic Factors
These are the abilities that workers have to offer and that employers are seeking. These can include the technical skills required to do a job, as well as transferable skills (such as adaptability, collaboration, or communication), that can enhance performance across many jobs. When the skills and competencies of a worker align well with those needed by the employer, they are more likely to thrive together.
This refers to the balance between the capacity of a worker (what they can and want to do at work) and the amount of challenge their job entails. When a worker is highly capable but isn’t offered challenging work, they may feel bored or underutilized. Conversely, when a worker is given work that demands more than their capacity, they may feel overwhelmed. When a worker’s capacity and the degree of challenge in their work is aligned, they tend to be more engaged and productive.
These include contracted pay and benefits (the monetary compensation and formal benefits agreed to as part of an employment contract) AND may also include other benefits that are more informal and are often overlooked when considering the relative advantages and disadvantages of a position. Things like access to company tools, free lunches or snacks, and staff retreats are just a few examples of other benefits that may be important when considering alignment.
These refer to the ‘when’ and ‘where’ of work. We each have needs and preferences when it comes to work schedules and locations. Sometimes, an employer can offer flexibility in some aspects of the working arrangements; other times, the working arrangements are defined by the job and cannot be altered. An employer and worker will more likely create a thriving workplace together if their respective needs and preferences are understood and – as far as possible – aligned.
There are many reasons that motivate people to work. These reasons are unique to each person and may change over time as their beliefs, passions, and priorities evolve. What we value and really care about influences the decisions we make about where we choose to work and with whom. When the meaning and values of workers and employers are aligned, they are more likely to thrive together.
This is the overall atmosphere in a workplace based on the way people interact with each other and how work gets done. Each workplace has its own unique culture, shaped by both employers and other workers. When a culture aligns well with a worker’s preferences and priorities, that worker is more likely to thrive in the workplace.
Thriving Workplaces Guiding Principles
These principles guide everything we do on our mission to support thriving workplaces, families, communities, and economies.
Everyone wants to thrive
At the end of the day, work seekers, workers, and employers all want the same thing: to thrive at work. Thriving is more likely when what employers need and can offer is aligned with the needs and offerings of work seekers/workers. Knowing our own needs and offerings and communicating about them clearly is an essential starting point for thriving together.
Transparent communication and recognition create safety
Communicating clearly, honestly, and regularly with one another and recognizing each others’ strengths, successes, challenges, and needs are simple concepts to understand; yet they are not as simple to implement in our fast-paced lives. When expectations are clearly communicated, by everyone, workplaces are more likely to thrive.
Thriving looks different for everyone
What one person needs to thrive may differ greatly from another. One variable that creates momentum, energy, and happiness in one person may create the opposite in another. This is why transparency, communication, and recognition are paramount.
Nothing is permanent
Just like thriving looks different to each person, what you need to thrive may change. To thrive is to be aware of changes in you and those around you, clarifying and communicating your needs and expectations when necessary and being willing to do the same for others.